Local News News Supermarkets begin to limit number of customers shopping at same time Sandy Deane22/03/2020862 views Long lines were visible at several supermarkets as operators adhered to calls to limit the number of customers seeking to shop at the same time. The appeal was made last evening by COVID-19 communications Czar Richard Carter as authorities reported that the island had recorded 14 cases of the coronavirus. This resulted in Barbados moving to stage 2 of the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plans, which includes social gatherings of no more than 25 people. Several supermarkets posted notices informing customers. They also notified patrons that door knobs, shopping baskets and carts were being regularly sanitised. One shopper, who did not wish to be identified, said it was “inconvenient but necessary.” While another told Barbados TODAY, “the decision was for the greater good and businesses and customers should comply.” Speaking during a COVID-19 briefing at Ilaro Court Saturday evening, Carter said it was important that the social gathering advisory be observed. “If the recommendation is that we restrict mass gatherings at this point where we are to 25 persons, we expect that this recommendation will be taken by all establishments in Barbados except for those essential services,” he said.